Running a business comes with many different components that you must be aware of, and the idea of compliance can be overwhelming. Whether you're in charge of an e-commerce business or trying to ship goods overseas, you need to be compliant in every way. Here we will show you how to comply when importing goods from China.
Search and choose reliable suppliers
One of the most important things about shipping from China to the UK is evaluating potential suppliers based on several variables, such as product quality, pricing, reputation, and customer reviews. Furthermore, you should check their credentials and make sure they are a good fit for you, as this due diligence upfront can save a lot of hassle later on.
Understand documentation requirements
There are many different basic documents, such as:
- The bill of lading, an important shipping document that acts as a contract between the owner of the goods and the carrier, also acts as a receipt while specifying the terms of the contract and serves as a document of title proving ownership of the goods being transported.
- Certificates of Origin, signed documents guaranteeing the origin of exported items, are usually certified by the UK Chamber of Commerce.
- An export license, a government document allowing the export of restricted goods, is necessary to ensure compliance with regulations and approval to export certain goods from one country to another.
- An import license is crucial to regulating imports into a country and may be required under certain circumstances or with certain products.
We guarantee you can clear customs properly
When importing goods, you should know how to clear the customs process and avoid delays during customs clearance. To do this correctly when importing goods from China into the UK, you will need to ensure that you have:
- The China Customs Registration (CR) number and Power of Attorney (POA) number for your goods.
- Obtain essential documents such as packing list, commercial invoice, and required license or certificates.
- Fill out the China Customs Declaration Form which includes all imported items and provides accurate values for each item.
- Pay import duties, VAT and any other applicable fees based on the type and value of goods imported from China into the UK.
- Obtain an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number beginning with GB for goods destined for England, Wales or Scotland, or an XI number for Northern Ireland.
- Ensure you comply with UK customs rules and regulations, including proper marking and labeling and adherence to all requirements.
The time taken can vary, but depending on the accuracy of your documents, it may take several weeks.
Navigating control quality issues
Importing goods into the UK can be a minefield, but you also need to make sure you address quality control issues:
- Where possible, carry out pre-shipment inspections to ensure the quality of goods before they leave, which helps identify any defects or problems early.
- Establish clear communications with suppliers in China to ensure they understand your quality requirements and expectations.
- Consider engaging quality assurance companies in China for more comprehensive product orders to ensure adherence to quality standards and specifications.
Be aware of regulatory changes
It is also important to stay informed of changes made by the relevant authorities regarding import and export catalogs and licensing from China to the UK:
- Monitor the latest updates from the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs (GAC) on a regular basis regarding licensing, import and export catalogues.
- Evaluate how these updates will impact your supply chains, business operations and compliance and be sure to seek professional guidance if necessary so you can understand the implications.
- Adjust your strategies based on updated requirements and plans to ensure a smoother transition, which will help minimize disruptions.
- If appropriate, establish communication channels with relevant authorities and trade organizations to seek clarification of any doubts.
- Finally, consider partnering with experts who specialize in these regulations to ensure you can effectively navigate the complexities of the latest requirements so you don't run into surprises.
Importing goods from any country requires an understanding of numerous rules and regulations. By diligently following these methods, you can ensure compliance, which will put you and your business at an advantage.
